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This is my Body This is my Blood: A much delayed Book Review

Marie Diane Guay sent me her book, "This is my body This is my Blood," nearly a year ago now and I promised that I would read it, and write a book review on it for the Pillars, so here I am….finally!

At first glance of this 300-paged book, I figured, 'oh, I can get this review out in no time! But as I began to read it, I discovered, it was both complete and explanatory. Clear and well put together with history of the Mass, priestly history, and more I fell in love with it!

The table of contents reveal her extensive help and appreciation to several priests along with her parents who raised her in the Catholic Church. The book is divided into 5 parts, Part One: Judaic Heritage, Part Two: Preparing Ourselves and the Temple, Part Three: The liturgy of the Mass and the liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part Four: A tribute to the Holy Mass, and Part: Elements for Catechesis on the Holy Mass.

This is a very attractive paperback in a size that is larger than your normal paperback. The type is perfect and I love the pencil drawing pictures and graphics.

Part one the Judaic Heritage we learn about the history of the Mass in complete form and the history of the priest and holy orders. The origins of the Mass and her experience in Rome in 1997 prove inspiring. Ms Guay talks about the Mass in depth from its earliest beginnings through the modifications throughout Church history. Wonderful!

Part Two takes us through the hymns, decorations, and preparing ourselves for Mass as she quotes Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” From Church behavior, preparing the sanctuary, to the incense, common vessels, servers, to the cantor and choir. As Marie Diane says in this conclusion, ‘It is not only up to the pastor and a few lay ministers to make the Eucharistic celebrations more prayerful and alive. Everyone must get involved starting with preparing ourselves for the Mass and participating actively in the liturgy.”

Part Three: The Liturgy of the Mass. Here Ms. Guay introduces us to the sights, sounds, taste, and smells of our beautiful liturgy. From the Liturgy of the Word, to the Eucharistic Liturgy to the Concluding Rite, each and every step is discussed, relished verbally, and given life in the reader’s presence. Step-by-Step we rediscover the reasons for and descriptions on how each element of the Mass in plain language for all to understand. Even the ‘cradle Catholic’ will enjoy this review of the Mass!

Part Four is the Tribute to the Holy Mass in which Ms Guay discusses the importance of the Mass here on earth, she says, “As the Mass begins, we are invited to turn away from our sins… There we find God the Father faithfully and lovingly awaiting us with open arms and heart, as did the father of the prodigal son.”

The test your knowledge in Part Five is great in her, Elements of Catechesis on the Holy Mass.” This is where we review what we have learned and continue to learn more. Here we also learn about the many prayers of the Catholic Church as well as charts and a glossary of Catholic words and documents.

All in all, Marie Diane has worked diligently and lovingly for our faith vehicle, the Roman Catholic Church to teach and refresh us in the most important activity we do here on earth. I highly recommend this book for DRE’s to use as a gift or even a text for new incoming Catholics around the world. This is a priceless teaching instrument that exudes her love of Jesus and His Bride.
Thank you, Marie Diane from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work and devotion, it shows!

Some Catholic finds!!

I am a homeschooling mom and with my girls now in 7th and 9th grade, their music interests are changing in ways that I am not exactly very happy with. This morning I received an email from a fellow Catholic Writer's Guild member about guest chat suggestions. I always check out these sites or author websites. WOW, look what I found! Marie Miller is a young music artist who plays the mandolin (my instrument!!) and you can here her music and purchase her CD's here.

I'm sunk! Hope my girls like her music....well here goes!

True Wisdom from our wise Pope

Benedict XVI Offers Word to the Wise

Notes That True Wisdom Is Peaceful CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).

According to Benedict XVI, every once in a while it's good and necessary to stop and contemplate the beauty of true wisdom. The Pope said this today before praying the midday Angelus with the pilgrims gathered at Castel Gandolfo. He took as his point of departure the Letter of James that contrasts

"true wisdom" with "false wisdom."

Quoting James, the Pope noted that false wisdom is

"worldly, material and diabolical, and is recognized by the fact that it
provokes jealousies, arguments, disorder and every kind of evil deed," whereas
"[true] wisdom, which comes from above is first of all pure, then peaceful,
meek, docile, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

The Pope noted that James lists

"seven qualities, according to the biblical custom, from which perfection of
authentic wisdom comes, along with the positive effects that it produces."
"As first and principal quality, almost the premise for the others, St. James
sets down 'purity,' that is, sanctity, the transparent reflection -- so to say
-- of God in the human soul,"

he continued.

"And, like God, from whom it comes, wisdom does not need to impose itself by
force, because it has the invincible vigor of truth and love, that affirms
itself."

"That is why it is peaceful, meek and docile; it does not need to be partial,
nor does it need to lie; it is indulgent and generous, it is recognized by the
good fruits that it bears in abundance."

Benedict XVI then asked,

"Why not stop every once in a while to contemplate the beauty of this wisdom?
Why not draw from this unpolluted source of God’s love the wisdom of the heart,
which cleanses us from the filth of lies and egoism?"

"This holds true for everyone,"

he answered,

"but, in the first place, for those who are called to be promoters and
'weavers' of peace in religious and civil communities, in social and political
relations and in international relations."

"To 'do' works of peace we need to 'be' men of peace,"

the Pope continued.

"If everyone, in his own circle, succeeds in rejecting the lie and violence in
intentions, in words and in actions, carefully cultivating sentiments of
respect, understanding and esteem for others, perhaps it would not resolve every
daily problem, but we could face them more serenely and effectively."

The Rainbow Bridge

Thanks to my friend, Adrienne from Adrienne's Catholic Corner who shared this with me this morning as I continue to mourn the loss of our doxie, Dodge.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

The love of a beloved pet

I know it's been one month today since Dodge died, but I still cry when I see his picture or think about all my little pet names I gave him. It just can't be helped, I truly loved him and cared for him everyday. He was under foot most of the time, he had his little personality quirks, too. He was terrified of fireworks. We learned that the first week we had him. It was the 4th of July and we took him with us to show him off at the big community fireworks and picnic. As soon as the they began shooting off, Dodge buried his face in my knight's armpit and stayed there until we couldn't put him through it any longer and left. Dodge was also frightened of thunder, so we never slept on stormy nights as he trembled and paced and begged to get into bed with us until it was over.



We love to camp and pretty much camp wherever we go. Because of his size, he was perfect for our trips as our camp dog. At first, he wanted to go home the minute we got to camp and started getting our popup camper set up and beds made. He would hang at the suv's front tires until we brought him in the camper and gave him a snack. Then he was ok, especially since he was the bed mate with the girls....'ah, finally people comfort!" The kids loved him, we were hardly ever alone when he was outside the camper. Dodge was a kid magnet, even more after he developed glucoma in his right eye and had to have it removed. As soon as they discovered that he only had one eye, they would run back and get more friends.



Now that Dodge is gone, so is his love, gone, not to be given and received again in this life time. The devotion and total and unconditional love having no bounds, strings, or conditions.......gone. No longer will we have this happy, smiling face greet us at the door or in the morning when we wake.

Thanks for the time we had with him, Lord. Memories will never grown dim of our loving little family member, never.